OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston invite the public to Rideau Hall’s Garden Gathering, a weekend filled with free activities and vibrant flora, on June 15 and 16, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This weekend only, gardening enthusiasts will be able to explore the hidden facets of Rideau Hall, originally built 175 years ago by stonemason Thomas MacKay. Starting in the residence, the walking tour will wind through the ornamental gardens and the stunning greenhouses. The Show House and newly renovated Palm House, dating back to Confederation, will feature a beautiful array of plants and flowers.
In addition, National Capital Commission gardeners will be on-site to answer questions about horticulture and highlight floral arrangements like those displayed during official events at Rideau Hall.
Visitors will also be able to meet with horticultural organizations from across the National Capital Region, including: Friends of the Farm, the Gloucester Horticulture Society, Friends of Maplelawn Garden, Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton, the Nepean Horticulture Society, and the Ottawa Horticultural Society.
Families with young children are invited to stop by the Visitor Centre to discover the ‘Golden Gardens’, created in 1999 for the International Year of Older Persons, and experience this urban oasis for butterflies and other insects.
Throughout the weekend, the public is invited to post their best Rideau Hall flower photos to social media by using the hashtag #RHFloral. The best shots will be featured on the Governor General’s website at www.gg.ca.
All activities will be offered rain or shine.
